The Conduct of War in the 18th Century (thing)

Once upon a fable, a Frencharmy and an English army were marching up opposite sides of a tall hill in Canada in 1760 or so. Niether knew t'other was advancing towards it's enemy. Reaching the top of the hill at the same time, they quite rapidly came into each others view and distance, and this being the 18th century, they did not know how to react to such an instant situation, in such deadly encompassing proximity.

The splendidly polished and cut generals met in the middle of the field, with only each other for company and earshot. The French general starts, firstly sweeping his hat in an extravagant manner and then
"After you dear sir"
The English general, twitches and doffs his hat.
"Not a bit of it, please after you sir"
"Ah, non, non, I would not dare sir, after you"

So they continue to argue for the others favour for several long minutes, when suddenly the French general, losing his patience and almost his manners, announces "After you dear sir, I insist!! Salut." turns around sharply, and trots off back to his troops to wait.
The English general sulkily considers this before snapping himself back to the situation, turning his horse to also return to his troops, ready with the fateful order.

And so on that forgotten day, on a forgotten hill, somewhere in Canada.